Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."